The Journey Through Art's Impact on Society and Self

We were graced by the presence of Greg Spalenka, an artist whose work spans across various mediums and carries a deep connection to nature and human experience. This dialogue delved into the intrinsic link between creativity and the natural world, and how environments like Santa Fe can transform not only the art but the artist themselves.

Santa Fe's history is steeped in a mix of cultural influences and natural beauty, an artistic sanctuary that provides a backdrop for deep creative introspection. Greg Spalenka's move there signified a turning point in his career, where the tranquility of the area enabled him to tune in to his essential nature and foster his creative journey. This serves as a testament to the idea that our surroundings can deeply affect our artistic output, a concept that resonates with many creatives seeking authenticity in their work.

Moreover, the conversation shifted towards the concept of silence in our urban lives, how the constant noise and visual pollution of city living can numb our senses. Greg and the host reminisced about the stark contrast experienced during the '95 L.A. earthquake when the blackout allowed residents to see the Milky Way for the first time. It was a moment that emphasized our disconnection from the natural world, underscoring the importance of silence for inspiration and the personal preference for different climates, further illustrating how our environments shape us.

Earthing, the practice of connecting with the earth's energy, was also a topic of discussion. Both the host and Greg reflected on their childhood experiences of playing barefoot, highlighting how this simple act can lead to a wealth of health benefits and a stronger connection to the planet. The freedom of unstructured play and imagination was celebrated, noting its diminishing presence in today's society where children's activities are often overly structured and supervised.

Art's evolution was explored, from ancient cave paintings serving as both storytelling and symbolic expressions to modern abstract creations. This historical journey through art's conceptual and narrative realms brought up discussions on the impact of literacy and the shift from matriarchy to patriarchy. The symbolism inherent in language and its relationship to conceptual imagery tied back to the broader theme of how art has continually intertwined with human development throughout history.

The episode also delved into the tactile sensations of traditional art mediums, contrasting them with modern digital tools. It considered how the depth and personal touch in traditional art might be missing in digital and AI-generated pieces, emphasizing that great art, regardless of the medium, should encompass mind, body, and spirit, anchored by the artist's vision.

Lastly, the podcast addressed the role of personal biases in shaping our perceptions of reality, particularly in the context of political ideology. It touched on the need for seeking information directly from the source and the importance of addressing societal issues beyond immediate economic concerns.

In conclusion, the podcast episode not only provided an intimate look at Greg Spalenka's journey and the profound impact of nature on creativity but also offered a comprehensive exploration of art's evolution, the significance of maintaining artistic integrity, and the power of art in shaping societal perceptions. It served as a reminder of the importance of reconnecting with our natural roots to foster authenticity and depth in our creative endeavors.

Download the episode at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2267353/episodes/14930557

Interview Friday with Author Maggie Lyons

Maggie Lyons was born in Wales and brought up in England before gravitating west to Virginia’s coast. She zigzagged her way through a motley variety of careers from orchestral management to law-firm media relations to academic editing. Writing and editing nonfiction for adults brought plenty of satisfaction but nothing like the magic she discovered in writing fiction and nonfiction for children. Several of her articles, poetry, and a chapter book have been published in the children’s magazines Stories for Children Magazine and knowonder! VS: I want to thank you for being my guest here on The Writing Mama today, Maggie. To get things started can you share what you do to help balance your writing life with your family life? Maggie: Very fortunately for me, I’m retired and my son left the nest some time ago. That doesn’t mean I have no other commitments, of course. In fact, I’m very busy as a freelance editor, but I do have the privilege of being able to control m...

Interview Friday with Author L.R.W. Lee of the Andy Smithson MG Fantasy Series

From an early age L. R. W. Lee knew she wanted to write a children’s book. Her imagination for such a book was cultivated early on as her family didn’t have a lot of money. She and her older brother were encouraged to use their imaginations to entertain themselves. And use them they did – climbing trees and tree forts, using a quilt for a matchbox car city, making puppets and putting on shows, and much more and her creativity and imagination grew. VS: Mr. Lee, I want to thank you for being my guest here on The Writing Mama once again. You recently just released the 2 nd book in our series, which is a great accomplishment. What do you do to help balance your writing life with your family life while writing a series? Lee: I’m spoiled in that regard. I founded, built and sold a multi-million dollar company in January 2012. Since then, I’ve been free to write full time so I don’t face quite the challenges as many authors. I write while everyone is out of the house and ...

American Chronicle | Get to know Rodger Dodger Dog and His Author, Jan Britland

In 1986, Jan was driving her children in a new town to start school. On their way, they would pass a beagle type dog chained to a huge Magnolia tree. Some days they would see the chain hanging down from the tree. "I think we just assumed the dog was in the house until one day we realized he was up in the tree. From that day on, Rodger Dodger Dog as we called him became a favorite. It was a 45-minute drive, which can become boring so as we passed him, I would start telling a story about Rodger Dodger's adventures up the tree and beyond. Because I am so dyslexic, the stories had to rhyme so I could remember them from day to day. They also started the same to get me going," shared Britland. However, it wasn´t until 2008 when Britland received a phone call from her daughter Kelly, who had young children of her own that the Rodger Dodger Dog started to even think about becoming a children´s book or series for that matter. "My daughter was complaining her son ...

VS Grenier ~ Award-Winning Author, Speaker & Podcaster

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